JOB DESCRIPTION

Northcoast Children's Services

State Preschool, General Child Development, Head Start

ASSISTANT TEACHER

Under the supervision of the Center Director or Team Teacher, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for: assisting with the supervision of all children; developing and implementing classroom activities; working cooperatively with and supporting other classroom staff and volunteers; and assisting with the general maintenance of program facilities to insure the health and safety of the children of the program. This is a non-exempt position.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Team Teacher to assist her/him in implementing developmentally appropriate activities for the children in the program.
• Assist the children with self-help skills and daily routines such as toileting, dressing, eating, and napping.
• Help create a warm and accepting environment, which encourages independence and self-esteem in the children.
• Approach the children, parents and other staff members with respect, being sensitive towards each individual's rights, needs and cultural/socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Assist in preparation, service and cleanup of food program as needed.
• Assist in setup of classroom environment and help with the daily cleanup of the facilities.
• Be familiar with and adhere to the policies and procedures of the Northcoast Children's Services Personnel Policies and Head Start.
• Respect the confidentiality of information regarding all children and their families.
• Communicate and work effectively with other staff members.
• Participate in team and center meetings and in-service trainings as requested.
• Implement guidance techniques with children which are appropriate to the situation and aid individual children who experience difficulty in the group.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 6 - 12 ECE units, including the core classes, and be willing to complete the requirements for the Associate Teacher level on the Child Development Matrix.
• Minimum 6 months experience working with young children.
• Must be able to follow directions and be consistent.
• Must be sensitive to the needs and characteristics of young children.
• Must be dependable, responsible, flexible and willing to learn.
• Must communicate effectively and be functionally literate in English.
• Must possess knowledge of children's health and safety issues.

Physical Requirements:

• Must successfully complete a health screening and provide proof of the absence of TB no later than 7 days following the date of hire.
• Physical ability to lift and carry objects and children up to 40 pounds for safety reasons.
• Physical agility to bend, stoop, walk, reach overhead, push/pull, squat, twist, and turn.

Health and Safety Training Requirements:

• Must have a current Criminal Record Clearance with current Child Abuse Index; Check on file with Community Care Licensing or provide fingerprints and a Child Abuse Index Check prior to the first day of work in order to obtain a Criminal Record Clearance from the Department of Justice.
• Must possess, or be willing to obtain within 30 days, a current pediatric first aid and CPR certificate (EMSA approved training).